Results tagged “domino”

It's been a while since there's been any movement on developer Michael Lappin's plans to turn the decaying old Domino factory in Williamsburg into a 2,200-unit residential and retail complex. Could it be the $1.3 billion project is being scaled back or abandoned, seeing as how the economy went down and hung itself in America's dank basement? The developer insists all systems are go, despite the fact that some of the banks underwriting the project have gone bust, and the real estate market is hobbled. Now some community groups and officials opposed to the plans are calling this an opportunity to reconsider the project, which some say will overwhelm the already stained public transportation system and parking situation. Assemblyman Joe Lentol tells the Observer, "We have now an opportunity to negotiate. They may be able to see the light and redesign the project so that it's more amenable to the community." Lappin says he expects to file the land use application with the city soon, and then the project will undergo the crucial public review phase.

The plan to turn the disused Domino Sugar Refinery site in South Williamsburg into a housing complex with nine residential towers, 2,200 apartments and 30,000 square feet of retail space is moving forward despite the economic downturn, optomistic developer Michael Lappin insists. You'll recall how back in June the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved revised plans for the $1.2 billion development, which promised to preserve the site's iconic sign. Of course, that was before everything went up in flames.

Yesterday the Domino Sugar Factory opened up their waterfront space to the public for an Open House of sorts, but much to the dismay of those who showed up the buildings were not accessible (likely because they're unsafe, with old machinery around and floors are covered in mollases). The rendering for the future Domino homes can be seen here, and for those who still want to take a gander at the current indoor space, some photos from last year are here.

      

The waterfront property at the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg will be open to the public for the first time in over a century this Sunday. Refinery, LLC, the developer who plans to convert the landmarked refinery into residential units, is inviting everyone over for free refreshments and a chance to take in the East River views. The plan is to have more of these events in the spring and give the community a taste of what's to come when developer completes a planned five-block-long esplanade on the property.

After reviewing a new design that one commissioner promised would “rival the Tate,” the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved revised plans for a massive residential and retail development at the disused Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg. One bit of good news is that the iconic Domino sign, which had been missing from previous designs, is now preserved. Brownstoner was liveblogging the hearing and reports that LPC chairman Robert Tierney called it a "brilliant adaptive plan." Groundbreaking is expected to occur in the fall of 2009. See more approved renderings here, none of which beat the gingerbread designs.

Michael Lappin, CEO of the managing company for what is being called the "New Domino", responded yesterday to our questions about the proposed project via email.

The iconic Domino Sugar sign is not included in these renderings. [We photoshopped it back in, above.] Is there any plan to preserve that somewhere at the site? We are making every effort to save the sign. We are looking at different engineering solutions regarding the “where and how.” It’s a complex problem.

More detailed images of the proposed development at the landmarked Domino Refinery in south Williamsburg have emerged; the biggest news is that developers plan to build a five-story glass addition on top of the Filter House (above), the tallest structure at the refinery, which has been closed since 2004. According to plans revealed by architects Beyer Blinder Belle, the modified refinery would have 1,550 underground parking spaces, 30,000 square feet of retail space, an interior courtyard and “community facilities” on several floors.